Arch Med Sci
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To analyze the microRNA expression of tumor necrosi factor α (TNF-α) stimulated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and exosomes from their culture supernatant. ⋯ In contrast with the control group, there were significantly differentially expressed microRNAs in both MSCs and exosomes. Interestingly, miR-146a-5p was up-regulated in both comparative groups, and its target gene IRAK1 plays a crucial part in the TLR signaling pathway. These investigations demonstrate a new direction for subsequent inflammation mechanistic studies.
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Leptin is a cytokine-like hormone which has a complex role in inflammation. However, the importance of leptin in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is far from being fully elucidated. The aim of the study was to determine serum leptin levels in RA patients and to evaluate whether there is an association between disease activity, anthropometric indices and leptin levels. ⋯ The present results show that serum leptin levels are increased and significantly associated with disease activity in patients with RA and may have a valuable role in the inflammatory reactions and pathogenesis of RA.
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The perioperative complication rate of adrenalectomy varies between 1.7% and 30.7% in the medical literature. This study presents outcomes of adrenalectomy in our center and tries to point out risk factors for perioperative problems. ⋯ Adrenal glands are surrounded by various anatomic structures (colon, pancreas, spleen, diaphragm) that may be injured during adrenalectomy. Complications following a laparoscopic procedure may arise from the use of monopolar coagulation and the patient's position on the operating table. High insufflation pressure during retroperitoneoscopic procedures may cause subcutaneous emphysema.
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There is no gold-standard method for hospital nutrition screening. The new screening tool termed Control of Food Intake, Protein, and Anthropometry (CIPA) gives positive results when at least one of the following parameters is met: control of food intake for 72 h < 50%, serum albumin < 3 g/dl, body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2 or mid-upper arm circumference ≤ 22.5 cm. This method was validated in comparison with Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) in hospitalized patients with non-surgical pathologies. ⋯ The CIPA and the SGA screening tools detect patients with a higher risk of mortality, but only CIPA identifies patients with an increased mean LOS. CIPA screening proved valid for use in non-surgical inpatients.
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Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospital readmission. Medicare home health services provide intermittent skilled nursing care to homebound Medicare beneficiaries. We examined whether discharge home health referral is associated with a lower risk of 30-day all-cause readmission in HF. ⋯ Hospitalized HF patients who received discharge home health services referral had a higher risk of 30-day and 1-year all-cause readmission and all-cause mortality, but not of HF readmission.